remoulade: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Formal/culinary
Quick answer
What does “remoulade” mean?
A cold, piquant sauce or condiment, typically mayonnaise-based and flavoured with herbs, gherkins, capers, and mustard.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A cold, piquant sauce or condiment, typically mayonnaise-based and flavoured with herbs, gherkins, capers, and mustard.
In some contexts, particularly in New Orleans and Cajun cuisine, the term can refer to a red, tomato-based sauce, or simply denote a seasoned, cold condiment for seafood, sandwiches, or fried foods.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, it refers almost exclusively to a mayonnaise-based sauce. In American English, particularly in Louisiana, it can refer to both the mayonnaise-based version and a distinct, sometimes reddish, Creole sauce.
Connotations
In the UK, it often connotes French or 'continental' cuisine. In the US, it often connotes Cajun or New Orleans cuisine, especially in the Southern states.
Frequency
Higher frequency in American English due to the cultural prominence of Cajun and Creole food; in British English, it is a more specialist term found on restaurant menus.
Grammar
How to Use “remoulade” in a Sentence
[N] remouladeremoulade [Prep] [N]served with remouladedressed in/with remouladeVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “remoulade” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [Not used as a verb]
American English
- [Not used as a verb]
adverb
British English
- [Not used as an adverb]
American English
- [Not used as an adverb]
adjective
British English
- [Rarely used adjectivally] 'remoulade sauce' is a compound noun.
American English
- The 'remoulade shrimp' was a highlight of the meal.
- He ordered the catfish po'boy with remoulade dressing.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
[Rarely used]
Academic
[Only in culinary or cultural studies contexts]
Everyday
Used when discussing food, recipes, or dining out, particularly in relevant cultural contexts.
Technical
A precise culinary term for a specific class of cold emulsion sauces.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “remoulade”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “remoulade”
- Misspelling: 'remoulade' (common), 'remoulade' (less common).
- Mispronunciation: Stressing the first syllable (/ˈriːmʊleɪd/) is incorrect.
- Using it as a generic term for any sauce.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, they are similar but distinct. Remoulade is typically more complex, often containing additional ingredients like paprika, hot sauce, celery, or herbs, and its flavour profile can be spicier. Tartar sauce is simpler, based on mayonnaise, pickles, capers, and lemon.
Traditional remoulade is mayonnaise-based. However, some modern or dietary variations might use a base of yoghurt, sour cream, or avocado, but these would not be considered a classic remoulade.
French remoulade is typically a pale, mayonnaise-based sauce with herbs, gherkins, and capers. Louisiana/Creole remoulade is often more complex, can be yellowish or reddish, and frequently includes Creole mustard, paprika, hot sauce, celery, and scallions.
No, it is a specialised culinary term. It is most commonly encountered on restaurant menus, in cookbooks, or in discussions about specific cuisines (French, Cajun). The average speaker might not know the word or its precise meaning.
A cold, piquant sauce or condiment, typically mayonnaise-based and flavoured with herbs, gherkins, capers, and mustard.
Remoulade is usually formal/culinary in register.
Remoulade: in British English it is pronounced /ˌrem.uːˈlɑːd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌreɪ.muːˈlɑːd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'REMoulade' is a REMarkable sauce for your seafood, often REMiniscent of mayonnaise.
Conceptual Metaphor
SAUCE IS AN ACCOMPANIMENT / FLAVOUR IS A DRESSING
Practice
Quiz
In which cuisine is 'remoulade' a particularly common term?